Trump’s Ridiculous and Dishonest Hyperbole

In the Trump “University” lawsuit, Trump’s lawyers argued that he didn’t commit fraud because what he said — that he had handpicked every instructor, blah blah blah — was “truthful hyperbole.” But his real specialty is untruthful hyperbole, like his claim to reporters in the wake of his “shithole” comments:

President Trump on Sunday pushed back on claims that he is a racist after facing immense scrutiny for reportedly describing several nations as “shithole countries” during a meeting with lawmakers last week.

“No. I’m not a racist. I’m the least racist person you will ever interview,” Trump told reporters while entering Trump International Golf Course, according to a White House pool report.

Right. This reminds me of what happened after that infamous Access Hollywood tape came out, the one in which he admitted to sexually assaulting women by “grabbing them by the pussy” and how he can get away with it because he’s famous. He said then, “Nobody has more respect for women than I do.” There’s a pattern here. Say something bigoted and horrible, then declare yourself to not only not be bigoted and horrible, but to be the least bigoted and least horrible person in the history of the world. With the best words! After only hiring the very best people!

This is what con artists and carnival barkers do, boldly and loudly declare the very opposite of reality to be true and then maintain that position with defiance until you go to your grave. But this is not “truthful hyperbole” or even untruthful hyperbole, they’re just lies. Yes, he is a racist, and a sexist too. At this point there simply cannot be any dispute over that for any rational observer. And there is no need for euphemism or beating around the bush. call him exactly what he is, without apology.